What should you do if you encounter a school bus with its red lights flashing?

When you encounter a school bus with its red lights flashing, the appropriate action is to stop your vehicle, regardless of the direction you are coming from. This is mandated by law to ensure the safety of children entering or exiting the bus. The flashing red lights indicate that students may be crossing the street or getting on or off the bus. Stopping allows children to safely navigate their way to and from the bus without the risk of being harmed by moving vehicles.

This rule applies not only when you are traveling behind the bus but also when you are approaching from the opposite direction. In many states, including Texas, traffic laws require vehicles to stop any time they see a school bus with its lights flashing, as children may unexpectedly cross the roadway.

While other actions may seem logical, they can endanger the lives of children and violate safety regulations. Therefore, stopping is crucial to maintaining a safe environment for students around school buses.